What is lino printing?

A quick guide to find out what is lino printing and more information on the lino printing process

Linocut (also referred to as lino printing) is a printmaking technique and a type of relief printing.

But what is relief printing?

Relief printing is a process where ink is applied to the raised area of a printing block, leaving recessed areas free of ink.

The image below shows an example of a piece of lino that has ink applied to the raised areas and ink free areas where lino has been carved away.

What is lino printing and the process behind it?

In order to create a lino print, you need a single piece of lino and linocutting tools. The first stage of the lino printing process is marking out the design on the piece of lino, then using the tools to remove the relevant areas of the lino block.

Once the lino block has been carved, ink is applied to the uncarved areas of the block.

Following the application of ink, the lino block is pressed to the paper using either hand tools or a printing press.

So now you know what is lino printing, but want to find out more?

The full process of lino printmaking and the variety of tools and techniques are beyond the scope of this website, but more information can be found in a range of great books available on Amazon. Below are a few of my favourites that I have found helpful in learning more and understanding the process in full.

Dot of Ink is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.